The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-08

that Mr.. Hancock made his maiden speech a
strong and impressive. if not eloquent appeal to
MS countrymen not to separate themselves from
the common memories and interests which had
so long bound them together. Whether this
the disturbances, l cannot say, but 1t was gener-
ally considered TO have Quoted for time the
rising spirit of dissatisfaction which was assum-
ing an Importance mauifestly not illusory.
The following experience Mrs. Hancock had
with Mr.. Charles A. Dana, while in Washing
ton, will be read with interest:
was appealed to by a lady to assist her in
procuring pass go to Petersburg Va. to see
her mother eighty-five years of age who was
dying for the want of the necessaries of life /
then Postmaster general in Mr.. Lincoln's Cabi-
net, and whom she well knew He obtained
from the President the desired pass and also
permission TO take with her the articles on her
list which were then considered contrabrand of
war. On the following morning at an early hour
she started on her journey. rejoicing at her good
fortune In obtaining the much-coveted pass so
easl!v. and anticipating the joy that her coming
wouId bring 10 her mother and other dear ones
who were impatiently awaiting her. Instead of
these bright hopes being realized she was
turned back in Alexandria and her pass torn up
ana thrown into the waste basket in her pres
ence. NO reason was assigned for this act OF
course to me her case seemed hopeless; how could
It be otherwise when the consent of the
President Of the United States had been so ip-
ANONYMOUSLY disregarded. Still the exigency of
the case demanded another effort SO I volun-
teered 20 take advantage of an oft-repeated invi-
tation of Mr.. Stauton's to call upon him with
out hesitation for favor or for assistance should
l ever desire or need it. In not the most en-
viable frame of mind did out upon this
mission of mercy knowing we'll the infexibility
OF the nature l had to work upon. l
found that Mr.. stanton was at home i'll, and my
business had TO be transacted with the Assistant
Secretary of War, Mr.. Dana. This announce
ment did not serve to give Increased conf
dence IN the success of the undertaking; still.
had put aside my prejudice against the inter
ference of women in matters of public nature
| determined to make my appeal to Mr.. Dana
be received me very gracIously. listened to my
conclusion assured me of the impossblity
OF getting through the lines either at
Culpepper Alexandria. Upon my
informing him that l knew of persons
going and coming by way of Alexandria-a fact
we'll known to others to myself-he referred
me for positive information to General Anger,
then commanding the District of Columbia, in
the belief that this would practically dispose of
a matter which he unwilling consider
favorably. General Anger could only express
his surprise that should have been sent to him
needless errand. Thereupon / re-
traced my steps 10 the War Department. only to
be informed that Mr. Dana was mot in" Find
ing me resolute and patient to wait for his com
ing. however, he returned. purposing to dismiss
the case at once. / equally determined to
pursue 1t, and TO make short work of this last
interview. l said:
"Mr. Dana, l have returned to ask whether it
is your purpose to grant me this favor. l ask
you but to say yes or no. and | promise not to
He going to renew his previous arguments
when / interrupted him and begged that he
would give an answer, yes or My persistence
doubtless exasperated him, for, turning to me
and at the same time bringing his hand down
upon the table in a most emphatic manner, he
said:
MADAM, if all the men were as determined
as you are, this war would be ended in thirty
DAYS"
The permit was given. My friend passed the
guard unouestioned and reached her home with
ont further DELAY.
Mrs. Hancock handles the Mrs. Surratt matter
in vigorous style:
The attempt to make General Hancock in any
way responsible for the trial and execution of
Mrs Surratt Is as unfair charge any man
has ever been called upon to meet and he never
cared to discuss it. SO obvious to all intelligent
and fair-ninded people did ne consider its in
justice. The troops 100000 men, were under
his entire control, including those that guarded
the prisoners. All orders came 70 him from the
Secretary of War. and through him to General
Hartranft. who was the Governor of the mil
itary prison, and who had immediate charge
of the prisoners and gave the verbal order
for the execution. General Hancock never
why he should be held RESPONSE
a spectacle as ever stained the escutcheon
of nation. President johnson wholly re- i
sponsible for It. Not once. but many times, did
my husband urge upon the President unanswer-
able reasons for granting a pardon. He would |
reply that he could not; that the execution was |
by many prominent men CT his party, |
missing as the others The question has many |
times been asked and remained unanswered: |
Why did General Hancock consider it necessary |
10 be present at the executionf For the impor- |
.ant reason that Miss Surratt had gone to the /
President at the last moment by his advice to
plead for pardon for her mother.
moment that a reprieve would come This |
act necessitated his presence at tho arsenal
o receive IL from his couriers. stationed at inter
rails along the route from the White House to /
nal in lar hat ha ant
ented and granted reprieve not moment
would be lost in renching him. To hold General |
hancock responsible for the death OF Mrs Sur
att was absurd. His connection with the affair
vas purely military and official. and such per-
onal in Interference it was proper for him to
was all in the direction of a reprieve.
70 the court that tried Mrs. Surratt belongs the
diurn, and the President Secretary of War and
udgs-advocate General may all De criticised for
he part they took In carrying out the decree of
he commission.
The exciting times of the campaign of 1880,
Then Hancock was the Democratic candidate
or President, are told of. There is an account
the Yorktown celebration and the Grant
uneral, of the sad death of Russell Han
ock, and finally. of the Generals death. In
yelling upon her husbands character, Mrs
hancock writes:
1t seems sometimes that the noblest natures
ave 10 meet and overcome the greatest and
lost frequent trials, permitted perhaps by the
y the storm may be worthy. when transplanted,
that wondrous world beyond, where alone it
hall be perfected. We feel keenly many times
nat which affects those we love more than we
o that which affects ourselves, and watching
by husband with the anxiety of WIFE I feel
laddened by seeing that the misconceptions and
etractions which wounded his sensitive nature
erved at the same time to strengthen the high
nd steadfast purposes which he believed
, be sacredly Entrusted 10 him.
Never was favoritism shown him.
" this fact ne was well aware and would say
ften: II cannot afford to make mistakes, and
iust strive to commit none" General Hancock
as strict disciplnarian, untiring in his work,
nd demanded of his staff officers or privates,
ithout distinction, the same devotion. always
scognizing their services by showing in a cor
al way his appreciation of their efforts and re-
arding them accordingly. He was not without
is faults nor was he incapable of enmities. On
he contrary with his peculiar temperament and
frankness thoroughly Characteristic HIS inren-
ons and motives many times misunder-
God When At fault himself he quickly made